PEACE SAFEGUARD

Hokitika Guardian, 11 September 1929, Page 1

PEACE SAFEGUARD

FOR , VICTIMS OF AGGRESSION

/United Press Association—By Electri< Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, Sept. 9. The Conservative Party press expresses surprise at Rt 'Hon Arthur Henderson’s statement at Geneva of the Government’s attitude in reference to financial assistance for the

victims of aggression. When addressing the League Assembly, Mr Henderson said that he hoped the proposed treaty concerning financial assistance for victims of aggression might be converted into a. general convention .for signature by members of the, League before tbe close of the Assembly. Britain would sign such convention, subject to safeguards. He stressed the ( importance of securing general acceptance of arbitration as a means of obviating the dangers of future wars, • which would be incomparably worse than anything hitherto conceived. He said that by their action at The Hague they bad taken tbe final step to end world war.

Regarding Mr Henderson’s remarks on the occasion, it is even stated, in some quarters, that his announcement has caused a split .in the Cabinet. This statement the Labour “Daily Herald” explicitly denies. , The “Daily Telegraph’s’’ diplomatic correspondent recapitulates objections that previously were raised against the proposal. Then, dealing with Mr Henderson’s stipulation 'for reciprocity under which Great. 'Britain herself is entitled to financial aid from the cosignatories, the Daily Telegraph’s correspondent declares: This is doomed to failure, because of an unwillingness. or an inability on the part of the co-sigpatories to pay for a British war. / Our experience in connection witil the war debts contracted during the Great War was more than sufficient to prove this beyond the possibility of doubt. The Daily Express' states: It is no secret that Mr Philip Snowden and others the proposal, though Mr MacDonald supports Air Henderson.